Keeping Grandma safe
As more of the population becomes elderly, so grows the need for improved care products for the elderly. Many of us are familiar with an older version of the device used by the elderly to call for help by pressing a button. What many may not know is that the old design was cumbersome and generated numerous false alarms. The EU-funded project 'Optimization of process, quality and cost as well as clinical tests of the wearable miniaturized fall detection system for the elderly' (FALLWATCH DEMO)(opens in new window) was initiated to upgrade and optimise the Vigi'Fall® solution, an improved version of a similar device. It brings together an extensive network of European technology and expertise for this purpose. Vigi'Fall® has a tiny triangular patch that can be worn by the user in a non-intrusive, permanent manner. Smaller by 50%, the addition of biocompatible materials for the case and the adhesive patch makes the device user-friendly and more comfortable. This improved version optimises functionality and accuracy even further by incorporating heartbeat monitoring and motion sensing to dramatically reduce false alarms. It measures one’s posture and intensity of movement and heartbeat to grade one’s movements into low, medium or high intensity category. The interaction between the device worn by the user, the infrared motion sensors mounted throughout the living area and a central control box ensures optimised accuracy. Technical optimisation is earmarked for the second half of this project. Areas to be addressed include battery life, heart rate module, obtaining relevant certifications and compatibility with the US market. The completed marketing research and business plan will include product launching commercially in the US and internationally. This improved device is expected to reduce hospital visits by 500,000 and reduce the 40,000 premature deaths caused by falls in Europe every year. The elderly, the families and friends that care for them will all benefit from commercialisation of Vigi'Fall®.
